Miguel de Cervantes' capture by the Turks and his imprisonment in Argel (Morocco) during the Battle of Lepanto in the sixteenth century have been studied by literary critics who have endeavored to determine fiction and reality in certain episodes of "Don Quijote" and in the drama, "Los banos de Argel". Twelve documents published here provide background data on Spanish prisoners held captive in Tetuan, Argel, and Velez. From the testimony presented and the similarities suggested, it is apparent that Cervantes drew his inspiration from real life experience. The linguistic, lexical, and idiomatic aspects of the documents are scrutinized to understand Cervantes' aesthetics. An abundance of information is offered on the prisoners including their dress, manners, speech, manner of capture, and the desolation, anguish and misery experienced. In addition to the actual documents, the appendix also includes a glossary of key words appearing in the texts. (DS)